Many employers are aware of OSHA’s general role in ensuring workplace safety and the health of workforces across a range of industries. However, the role of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is less understood, despite the fact that the two organizations have collaborated for over fifty years on a number of issues that impact American workers and employers.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between OSHA and NIOSH, their distinct roles/jurisdictions, and how their work and regulations impact your business.
History of Collaboration
The 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act mandated the creation of OSHA and NIOSH, each with separate but complementary roles in improving safety and health in the workplace.
Although OSHA is technically an office within the Department of Labor (DOL) and NIOSH is governed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the two entities now consistently work together to help employers foster safe working environments for their employees.
After periods of intermittent collaboration in the early stages of OSHA and NIOSH, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster compelled both organizations to work in closer collaboration and strengthen research and policy collaboration moving forward. Today, the two organizations are closely intertwined, with NIOSH influencing OSHA’s regulations and decision-making more than ever.
Distinguishing OSHA’s and NIOSH’s Roles
OSHA is responsible for creating federal workplace safety rules that employers are required to adopt. These “OSHA Standards” must be followed by employers and the managerial staff who implement company policy. In addition to creating the rules and safety standards that employers must abide by, OSHA is legally empowered to fine employers for any safety violations or take employers to court in the event of any serious or repeated violations.
Unlike OSHA, NIOSH is primarily focused on scientific research and education designed to advance public knowledge of best practices in occupational safety. NIOSH does not legally enforce any standards or rules, but provides comprehensive educational programming and workplace training to strengthen occupational safety practices across industries. NIOSH’s recommendations and guidelines are often informed by collaborations with international scientists, researchers, and facilities.
As just one example of its programming, NIOSH offers a Health Hazard Evaluation Program that provides cost-free evaluations of workplace health hazards to employers in response to requests from employers, employees, or other company representatives. These on-site evaluations can include recommendations regarding employee exposure to chemicals, radiation, or biological agents. However, in recent years, NIOSH has also aimed to mitigate the detrimental effects of work-related stress. NIOSH now provides resources and programming to help employers improve mental health throughout their workforce: through reductions to noise levels, improved ergonomics, and by offering mental health resources inside and outside of the workplace.
Recommendations for Compliance
Although NIOSH doesn’t publish enforceable rules or regulations, OSHA eventually adopts many of its recommendations and institutes them as guidelines. Since OSHA mandates compliance with U.S. Public Health Service guidelines, it is generally advisable to learn and follow NIOSH recommendations to remain compliant with parallel OSHA regulations. This can apply to standards regarding respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, fire safety, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, and more.
As a starting point for new organizations (or as a refresher for existing ones), OSHA’s Compliance Assistance Quick Start guide offers general information and guidelines for compliance across three domains: general industries, construction, and health care. OSHA provides a basic overview of standards related to hazards, employee training, recordkeeping, and more.
Remember that the Compliance Assistance Quick Start is only an introductory guide. The successful implementation of OSHA-compliant standards and programming for occupational safety and health often requires expert support. This is especially true if your business operates in a state with its own state safety and health regulations, which could demand standards that exceed federal OSHA requirements.
Ensure Workplace Safety and OSHA Compliance with Cello HR
Regardless of your organization’s industry, it can be a challenge to interpret and smoothly integrate OSHA occupational health and safety standards into your workplace and company policies. That’s why Cello HR offers expert HR consulting to help you stay compliant with regulatory changes and develop practical strategies to keep your employees safe and your organization protected from penalties, fines, or litigation.
Ready to simplify occupational health and safety for your entire organization? Contact us today to let us know how we can support you.